Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test Series 2026: Schedule, Full List of Matches, Squads

The much-anticipated two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan begins on May 8, 2026. This marks Pakistan’s return to Bangladesh for red-ball cricket after their ODI tour in March.

Bangladesh won that white-ball series 2-1, but the Tests carry far greater importance as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Both teams will be fighting for vital WTC points that could significantly influence their qualification chances for the final.

This series arrives at a crucial juncture for both sides. Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, have displayed consistent progress in home Test conditions. They now face a strong Pakistan side led by Shan Masood, featuring a potent mix of established stars such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with promising young talents. While Pakistan hold a dominant historical record against Bangladesh in Tests, the hosts’ growing confidence and familiar home conditions are expected to make this a fiercely competitive contest.

The tour also reflects the evolving landscape of Asian cricket. Bangladesh are determined to establish themselves as a formidable Test-playing nation, while Pakistan aim to regain momentum following recent challenges. The rivalry promises exciting cricket and tactical battles across the longest format.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan Series Schedule

The two venues present contrasting challenges. The pitch at Mirpur for the first Test is expected to be grassy and green — unusual for Bangladesh home Tests — offering assistance to seamers and extra bounce. This could favour Pakistan’s high-quality pace attack early on. In contrast, Sylhet traditionally helps spinners as the match progresses, playing to Bangladesh’s traditional strengths.

Both teams enter the series with high stakes. Bangladesh sit in the middle of the WTC standings and see this as a golden opportunity to defend home pride. Pakistan, boasting impressive depth in both batting and bowling, will look to dominate away from home. Key storylines include the fitness of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, the return of Bangladesh pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, and the emergence of Pakistan’s young batting talents such as Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais.

Bangladesh and Pakistan Squads

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amite Hasan

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Amad Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Ghazi Ghori, Abdullah Fazal